In The Telegraph on Wednesday, Coe described Christie, newly rehabilitated after a two-year suspension imposed following a positive test for the illegal steroid nandrolone, as being `boorish'. Having previously told a magazine interviewer that athletics "is so corrupt now, I wouldn't want my child to do it," Christie returned fire by proclaiming: "I love athletics, which is why I am trying to put something back through coaching. I don't see him coaching any potential champions."

Whenever Christie starts yapping on about corrupt officials, media harassment or the lack of respect he is shown despite his Olympic gold medal, etc, etc, I cannot resist reaching for his autobiography, a hymn of self-praise entitled To Be Honest With You. "Without meaning to be blasphemous or presumptuous in any way," he writes, "I think of this book as being like the Bible in that it will be widely read and there will be different interpretations placed upon it."

The only interpretation I placed upon it is that having nothing of any great interest to say on any subject whatsoever, Linford Christie should keep his many opinions to himself.